Electronic apparatus and communication control method

ABSTRACT

According to one embodiment, a connection control module is configured to transmit a connection request signal during a period in which a communication module is in an unconnected state, and to establish a connection between the communication module and an external device which are in a close proximity state. A halt module is configured to halt a communication control module from executing a negotiation with the external device, when the connection between the communication module and the external device is released by the connection release request signal from the external device and thereafter the connection between the communication module and the external device is re-established by the connection control module.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2009-260102, filed Nov. 13, 2009; theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Embodiments described herein relate generally to an electronic apparatuswhich executes close proximity wireless transfer, and a communicationcontrol method which is applied to this electronic apparatus.

2. Related Art

In recent years, in IC cards, mobile phones, etc., wirelesscommunication such as near field communication (NFC) has begun to beused. A user can easily execute communication for an authenticationprocess, an accounting process, etc., simply by performing an operationof holding the IC card or mobile phone over a reader/writer module of ahost apparatus.

Recently, a novel close proximity wireless transfer technology, whichenables communication at high speed, has begun to be developed. In thisnovel close proximity wireless transfer technology, not onlyauthentication and accounting services can be performed between thedevices, but also data files of text data, video data and audio data canbe exchanged between the devices.

Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2009-140176 discloses atransaction apparatus which executes a transaction process, such as cashdeposit/withdrawal, by close proximity non-contact communication with amobile terminal, and issues a command to lock the operational functionof the mobile terminal in response to the completion of the transactionprocess. This transaction apparatus can prevent the mobile terminal frombeing unlawfully used by a third party after the competition of thetransaction process.

In the meantime, in order to make useful the close proximity wirelesstransfer between devices, it is required to automatically establish aconnection between the devices, triggered by only a touch operation ofbringing the devices close together, and to automatically start datatransfer between the devices.

However, if one device is left in close proximity to the other device,these devices are reconnected, for example, each time the data transferbetween the devices has been completed, and, as a result, it ispossible, for example, that the same service, such as the transfer ofthe same data, is repeatedly executed over and over again.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A general architecture that implements the various feature of theembodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings. Thedrawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate theembodiments and not to limit the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating the systemconfiguration of an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating the structure of acommunication control program which is used in the electronic apparatusof the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary perspective view illustrating the externalappearance of the electronic apparatus of the embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of close proximity wireless transfer whichis executed between the electronic apparatus of the embodiment and anexternal device;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a software architecture for controllingclose proximity wireless transfer, which is applied to the electronicapparatus of the embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an exemplary view for explaining an example of device modeswhich are used in the electronic apparatus of the embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a state transition of the communicationcontrol program which is used in the electronic apparatus of theembodiment;

FIG. 8 is an exemplary view for describing an example in which the sameservice is repeatedly executed between two devices;

FIG. 9 is an exemplary view for describing another example in which thesame service is repeatedly executed between two devices;

FIG. 10 is an exemplary view for describing an example of acommunication control operation which is executed by the electronicapparatus of the embodiment;

FIG. 11 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating an example of theprocedure of a communication control process which is executed by theelectronic apparatus of the embodiment;

FIG. 12 is an exemplary view for describing another example of thecommunication control operation which is executed by the electronicapparatus of the embodiment; and

FIG. 13 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating another example of theprocedure of the communication control process which is executed by theelectronic apparatus of the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will be described hereinafter with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

In general, according to one embodiment, an electronic apparatuscomprises a communication module, a connection control module, acommunication control module, a connection release module and a haltmodule. The communication module is configured to execute closeproximity wireless transfer. The connection control module is configuredto transmit a connection request signal during a period in which thecommunication module is in an unconnected state, and to establish aconnection between the communication module and an external device whichare in a close proximity state. The communication control module isconfigured to execute a negotiation with the external device when theconnection is established, to determine a service which is to beprovided by close proximity wireless transfer between the communicationmodule and the external device, and to execute the determined service.The connection release module is configured to release the connectionbetween the communication module and the external device when thereoccurs an event of communication time-out due to a release of the closeproximity state or an event of reception of a connection release requestsignal from the external device. The halt module is configured to haltthe communication control module from executing the negotiation, whenthe connection is released by the connection release request signal andthereafter the connection between the communication module and theexternal device is re-established by the connection control module.

FIG. 1 illustrates the structure of an electronic apparatus according toan embodiment. The electronic apparatus 10 is realized, for example, asa portable computer, a mobile phone, a PDA, an audio player, or a TV.The electronic apparatus 10 includes a system control module 11, amemory 12, a storage device 13, an input module 14, a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD) 15, a sound controller 16, a speaker 17, an indicator 18,a power supply control module 19, and a close proximity wirelesstransfer device 20.

The system control module 11 controls the operations of the respectivecomponents in the electronic apparatus 10. The system control module 11is connected to the memory 12, storage device 13, input module 14, LCD15, sound controller 16, indicator 18, power supply control module 19and close proximity wireless transfer device 20. The system controlmodule 11 includes a CPU 101 a.

The CPU 101 a is a processor which executes an operating system andvarious application programs/utility programs, which are loaded from thestorage device 13 into the memory 12. The application programs/utilityprograms include a communication control program 12 a for controllingthe communication operation of the close proximity wireless transferdevice 20.

The communication control program 12 a has a communication controlfunction for enhancing the connectability between an arbitraryelectronic device (external device) having a close proximity wirelesstransfer function and the close proximity wireless transfer device 20,and preventing the same service from being repeatedly executed even whenthe close proximity wireless transfer device 20 and the external deviceare left in a close proximity state for a relatively long time.

The storage device 13 is composed of, e.g. a hard disk drive or anonvolatile semiconductor memory. The input module 14 is an input devicefor inputting data and an instruction, which are to be delivered to theCPU 111. The input module 14 is realized, for example, by a keyboard, aplurality of button switches, or a pointing device.

The LCD 15 is a display device which is used as a display of theelectronic apparatus 10. The sound controller 16 is a sound sourcecircuit for producing sound corresponding to audio data which is sentfrom the CPU 101 a. The sound controller 16 converts the audio data,which is sent from the CPU 101 a, from a digital audio signal to ananalog audio signal, and outputs the analog audio signal to the speaker17. The speaker 17 produces sound corresponding to the analog audiosignal.

The indicator 18 presents the state (e.g. the start of data transfer,the end of data transfer, etc.) of close proximity wireless transferwhich is executed by the close proximity wireless transfer device 20.The indicator 18 includes a light emission module such as an LED.

The power supply control module 19 supplies power to the respectivecomponents in the electronic apparatus 10 by using power which issupplied from the outside via an AC adapter 30 or power which issupplied from a battery 19 b provided in the electronic apparatus 10. Inother words, the electronic apparatus 10 is driven by an external powersupply such as an AC commercial power supply, or by the battery 19 b.The AC adapter 30 may be provided within the electronic apparatus 10.The power supply control module 19 powers on and powers off theelectronic apparatus 10 in accordance with an operation of a powerswitch (P-SW) 19 a by the user.

The close proximity wireless transfer device 20 is a communicationmodule which executes close proximity wireless transfer. The closeproximity wireless transfer device 20 can communicate with some otherdevice (external device) having a close proximity wireless transferfunction, which is present within a predetermined range of communicationfrom the close proximity wireless transfer device 20. The wirelesscommunication between the close proximity wireless transfer device 20and the external device is enabled only when the close proximitywireless transfer device 20 and the external device are in closeproximity, that is, only when the distance between the close proximitywireless transfer device 20 and the external device is decreased to therange of communication (e.g. 3 cm) or less. When the close proximitywireless transfer device 20 and the external device are brought closetogether within the range of communication, the communication betweenthe close proximity wireless transfer device 20 and the external deviceis enabled. Then, the operation of establishing a connection (wirelessconnection) between the close proximity wireless transfer device 20 andthe external device is started. After the connection (wirelessconnection) between the devices is established, a service, such as datatransfer using SCSI, OBEX or other general-purpose protocol, is executedby the close proximity wireless transfer between the close proximitywireless transfer device 20 and the external device.

In the close proximity wireless transfer, an induction electric field isused. As a close proximity wireless transfer method, TransferJet™, forinstance, can be used. TransferJet™ is a close proximity wirelesstransfer method which uses UWB, and high-speed data transfer can berealized.

The close proximity wireless transfer device 20 is connected to anantenna 20 b. The antenna 20 b is an electrode called “coupler”, andexecutes data transmission/reception to/from the external device by awireless signal using an induction electric field. When the externaldevice comes near within the range of communication (e.g. 3 cm) from theantenna 20 b, the antennas (couplers) of the close proximity wirelesstransfer device 20 and the external device are coupled by the inductionelectric field, and thereby wireless communication between the closeproximity wireless transfer device 20 and the external device isenabled. In the meantime, the close proximity wireless transfer device20 and the antenna 20 b can be realized as a single module.

Next, referring to FIG. 2, the structure of the communication controlprogram 12 a is described.

The communication control program 12 a includes a connection controlprogram 121 and a connection control driver 122. The connection controldriver 122 is a program for controlling the (physical) connectionbetween the close proximity wireless transfer device 20 and the externaldevice. The connection control program 121 manages the establishment andrelease of the connection between the close proximity wireless transferdevice 20 and the external device, and also controls the execution of aservice such as data transfer between the close proximity wirelesstransfer device 20 and the external device.

The connection control program 121 includes a connection control module123, a communication control module 124, a connection release module 125and a negotiation halt module 126. The connection control module 123 isa program module for establishing a connection, for example, between theclose proximity wireless transfer device 20 and the external device.When the close proximity wireless transfer device 20 is in anunconnected state, the connection control module 123 detects an externaldevice which is in close proximity to the close proximity wirelesstransfer device 20. To be more specific, while the close proximitywireless transfer device 20 is in the unconnected state, the connectioncontrol module 123 transmits a connection request signal via the closeproximity wireless transfer device 20, and establishes a connectionbetween the close proximity wireless transfer device 20 and the externaldevice which are in a close proximity state. Responding to theestablishment of the connection between the close proximity wirelesstransfer device 20 and the external device, the communication controlmodule 124 executes a negotiation with the external device in order todetermine a service which is to be provided by close proximity wirelesstransfer between the close proximity wireless transfer device 20 and theexternal device. Then, the communication control module 124 executes thedetermined service by close proximity wireless transfer. The connectionrelease module 125 releases the connection between the close proximitywireless transfer device 20 and the external device when there occurs anevent of communication time-out due to the release of the closeproximity state between the devices, or an event of reception of aconnection release request signal from the external device. Thenegotiation halt module 126 executes a process of halting thecommunication control module 124 from executing the negotiation, whenthe connection between the close proximity wireless transfer device 20and the external device has been re-established after the connectionbetween the close proximity wireless transfer device 20 and the externaldevice was released by the reception of the connection release requestsignal from the external device.

Next, referring to FIG. 3, an example of the external appearance of theelectronic apparatus 10 is described, assuming that the electronicapparatus 10 is realized as a portable personal computer.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of theelectronic apparatus 10. The electronic apparatus 10 comprises a mainbody 41 and a display unit 42. The display unit 42 is attached to themain body 41 such that the display unit 42 is rotatable between an openposition where the top surface of the main body 41 is exposed, and aclosed position where the top surface of the main body 41 is covered bythe display unit 42. The above-described LCD 15 is provided in thedisplay unit 42.

The main body 41 has a thin box-shaped housing. A keyboard 14 a, a touchpad 14 b, indicator 18 and power switch 19 a are disposed on the topsurface of the housing of the main body 41.

The top surface of the main body 41, to be more specific, a part of apalm rest area 41 a on the top surface of the main body 41, functions asa communication surface. Specifically, the close proximity wirelesstransfer device 20 and antenna (coupler) 20 b are provided within themain body 41 so as to be opposed to the palm rest area 41 a on the topsurface of the main body 41. The antenna (coupler) 20 b is disposed soas to output a wireless signal (induction electric field) to the outsidevia the top surface of the main body 41 (specifically, a part of thepalm rest area 41 a on the top surface of the main body 41). A smallarea on the top surface of the main body 41, which is opposed to theantenna (coupler) 20 b, that is, a small area on the top surface of themain body 41, which is located on the upper side of the antenna(coupler) 20 b, is used as a communication position.

The user can start a service, such as data transfer between the externaldevice and the electronic apparatus 10, by performing, for example, anoperation (“touch operation”) of holding the external device, which hasthe close proximity wireless transfer function, over the communicationposition in the palm rest area 41 a of the main body 41.

FIG. 4 illustrates close proximity wireless transfer which is executedbetween a mobile phone 50 and the electronic apparatus 10. An antenna(coupler) for close proximity wireless transfer is provided within thehousing of the mobile phone 50, for example, such that the antenna isopposed to the back surface of the housing. In this case, closeproximity wireless transfer between the mobile phone 50 and electronicapparatus 10 can be started by bringing the back surface of the housingof the mobile phone 50 over the communication position on the palm restarea of the main body 41 of the electronic apparatus 20 (or by placingthe mobile phone 50 on the palm rest area).

Next, referring to FIG. 5, a description is given of a softwarearchitecture for controlling close proximity wireless transfer which isexecuted with use of the close proximity wireless transfer device 20.

The software architecture of FIG. 5 shows a hierarchical structure of aprotocol stack for controlling close proximity wireless transfer. Theprotocol stack comprises a physical layer (PHY), a connection layer(CNL), a protocol conversion layer (PCL), and an application layer.

The physical layer (PHY) is a layer which controls physical datatransfer, and corresponds to a physical layer in an OSI reference model.A part or all of the functions of the physical layer (PHY) may also berealized by using hardware in the close proximity wireless transferdevice 20.

The physical layer (PHY) converts data from the connection layer (CNL)to a wireless signal. The connection layer (CNL) corresponds to a datalink layer and a transport layer in the OSI reference model, andexecutes data communication by controlling the physical layer (PHY). Theconnection layer (CNL) may be realized by the above-described connectioncontrol driver 122.

Responding to a connection request which is received from the protocolconversion layer (PCL) or a connection request which is received fromthe external device, the connection layer (CNL) executes a process ofestablishing a (physical) connection (CNL connection) between the closeproximity wireless transfer device 20 and the external device, which areset in a close proximity state. A description is now given of an exampleof the procedure for establishing a CNL connection between two devices(device 1 and device 2). Of the devices 1 and 2, the device which is tostart communication, for example, the device 1, executes a process forwirelessly transmitting a connection request signal (C_Req). Theconnection request signal (C_Req) may include a unique ID (UID) of thedevice 1. The device 2 periodically executes a process for receiving theconnection request signal (C_Req). When the device 1 and device 2 are ina close proximity state, the device 2 can receive the connection requestsignal (C_Req) which is transmitted from the device 1. When the device 2has received the connection request signal (C_Req), the device 2wirelessly transmits to the device 1 a response signal (C_Acc) which isindicative of the acceptance of the received connection request signal(C_Req). This response (C_Acc) may include a unique ID (UID) of thedevice 2. The device 1 can receive the response (C_Acc) which iswirelessly transmitted from the device 2. In this manner, the connection(CNL connection) between the device 1 and device 2 is established bytransmitting/receiving the connection request signal (C_Req) andconnection response signal (C_Acc) between the device 1 and device 2.

The protocol conversion layer (PCL) corresponds to a session layer and apresentation layer in the OSI reference model, and is positioned betweenthe application layer and the connection layer (CNL). The protocolconversion layer (PCL) may be realized by the above-described connectioncontrol program 121. In order to establish the connection between thetwo devices, the protocol conversion layer (PCL) executes control ofeach application (communication program) in the application layer, andexecutes control of the connection layer (CNL).

To be more specific, the protocol conversion layer (PCL) includes aplurality of communication adapters (PCL adapters) corresponding to aplurality of kinds of application protocols (e.g. SCSI, OBEX, othergeneral-purpose protocol, etc.), and a PCL controller which controls theoperation of the protocol conversion layer (PCL). The PCL controlleractivates one of the communication adapters (PCL adapters) in accordancewith the application protocol (e.g. SCSI, OBEX, other general-purposeprotocol, etc.) corresponding to the service which is to be executed.The activated PCL adapter converts the data (user data) of theapplication program, which corresponds to this PCL adapter, to aspecific transmission data format which can be handled by the connectionlayer (CNL). By this conversion process, data, which istransmitted/received by any one of the communication programs, isconverted to packets (data of a specific transmission data format) whichcan be handled by the connection layer (CNL). The protocol conversionlayer (PCL) enables the use of various application protocols in theclose proximity wireless transfer.

In the present embodiment, the PCL controller, which is realized by theconnection control program 121, supports three device modes (proactivemode, reactive mode and flexible mode), as shown in FIG. 6, and isoperable in one of these three device modes.

The proactive mode is a mode in which a connection request signal(connection request command) is actively transmitted, for example, forthe purpose of data transfer between a local device and acommunication-counterpart device. The communication-counterpart deviceis also referred to as “peer device”. For example, when an applicationprogram for executing, e.g. data transfer by using close proximitywireless transfer is started, the device mode is automaticallytransitioned to the proactive mode. The proactive mode is a mode inwhich a device can function as a so-called master. A device in theproactive mode can execute a service such as data transfer betweendevices by controlling the communication-counterpart device.

The reactive mode is a mode in which a device waits for a connectionrequest signal from the communication-counterpart device (the device inthe proactive mode or the device in the flexible mode). The reactivemode is a mode for a device to function as a so-called slave. A devicein the reactive mode can execute a service, such as data transferbetween devices, under the control of the communication-counterpartdevice (the device in the proactive mode or the device in the flexiblemode).

The default device mode of a mobile device, such as a mobile phone,which cannot be driven by an external power supply, is set to be thereactive mode in order to reduce power consumption. When a certainapplication program is activated on the mobile device by a user'soperation, the mobile device can automatically transition from thereactive mode to the proactive mode.

The device, which is set in the proactive mode, sends a connectionrequest signal C_Req. On the other hand, the device, which is set in thereactive mode, does not send a connection request signal C_Req, althoughreceiving a connection request signal C_Req from thecommunication-counterpart device (the device in the proactive mode orthe device in the flexible mode). Thus, the power consumption of thedevice in the reactive mode is relatively small.

The flexible mode is a mode in which a connection request signal C_Reqis actively transmitted for the purpose of connection between a localdevice and a communication-counterpart device. This flexible mode is amode in which the device mode of the local device can automatically betransitioned to the proactive mode or to the reactive mode in accordancewith the device mode (proactive mode or reactive mode) of thecommunication-counterpart device.

The device in the flexible mode transitions to the reactive mode if thedevice mode of the communication-counterpart device is the proactivemode, and the device in the flexible mode transitions to the proactivemode if the device mode of the communication-counterpart device is thereactive mode. The transition to the proactive mode or to the reactivemode is executed, for example, after the CNL connection between thedevices is established.

The default device mode of a device, such as a personal computer, whichcan be driven by an external power supply such as an AC adapter powersupply, is the flexible mode. The device in the flexible mode can send aconnection request signal C_Req. Thereby, for example, even in the casewhere the user brings the mobile phone close to the personal computer(the device in the flexible mode) without operating an application ofthe mobile phone, the connection between the devices can be established.Moreover, a service such as data transfer between the devices can beexecuted under the control of the personal computer which transitions tothe proactive mode.

The combinations between connectable devices are only (1) a combinationbetween a device in the proactive mode and a device in the reactivemode, (2) a combination between a device in the proactive mode and adevice in the flexible mode, and (3) a combination between a device inthe flexible mode and a device in the reactive mode. The default devicemode of each device is either the reactive mode or flexible mode.

Next, referring to FIG. 7, a description is given of the transition ofthe status of the PCL controller which is realized by the connectioncontrol program 121 of the embodiment.

The PCL controller transitions to any one of three states, namely, anunconnected state 61, a connecting state 62 and a connected state 63.The unconnected state 61 is a state before devices are brought closetogether. In other words, the unconnected state 61 is a state in whichno connection is established between the close proximity wirelesstransfer device 20 and any one of external devices. When the closeproximity wireless transfer device 20 has received a connection requestsignal (C_Req) or a response signal (C_Acc) from the external device,the state of the PCL controller transitions to the connecting state 62.

The connecting state 62 is a state in which a CNL connection is beingestablished. If the establishment of the CNL connection has beencompleted, the state of the PCL controller transitions to the connectedstate 63. In the connected state 63, the PCL controller starts a controlsequence comprising three phases, namely, an authentication phase, anegotiation phase and a service execution phase. To start with, the PCLcontroller authenticates a communication-counterpart device in theauthentication phase. If the authentication is successfully executed,the PCL controller transitions to the negotiation phase. In thenegotiation phase, the PCL controller executes a negotiation with thecommunication-counterpart device, and determines a service which is tobe provided. If the negotiation is successfully executed, the PCLcontroller transitions to the service execution phase. The PCLcontroller executes the service, which is determined by the negotiation,in the service execution phase.

To be more specific, in the connected state 63, for example, foursub-states (four phases), namely, an authenticating state 71, anegotiating state 72, an executing service state 73, and a no servicestate 74, are defined.

The authenticating state 71 corresponds to the above-describedauthentication phase. The authenticating state 71 is a state in which aprocess of authenticating a connection-counterpart device is beingexecuted. If the authentication of the connection-counterpart device issuccessfully executed, the state of the PCL controller transitions tothe negotiating state 72. On the other hand, if the authentication ofthe device has failed, the state of the PCL controller transitions tothe no service state 74.

The negotiating state 72 corresponds to the above-described negotiationphase. The negotiating state 72 is a state in which a process isexecuted for determining a service (also referred to as “applicationservice”), which is to be provided by close proximity wireless transferbetween the close proximity wireless transfer device 20 and the externaldevice, by the negotiation with the connection-counterpart device.During the period of the negotiating state 72, for example, informationrelating to the service to be executed (e.g. the kind of PCL adapter tobe used, the kind of application protocol to be used, etc.) is exchangedbetween the devices under the control of the device which is in theproactive mode. Thereby, the service, which is to be executed by theclose proximity wireless transfer between the devices, is determined.For example, the device in the proactive mode may report to thecommunication-counterpart device (the device in the reactive mode) theinformation relating to the service corresponding to the applicationprogram that is being executed on the device in the proactive mode, andthe communication-counterpart device determines the reported service tobe the service that is to be executed. In addition, the device, whosedefault device mode is the flexible mode, may determine, for example, aservice that is pre-associated with the communication-counterpart device(the device in the reactive mode), to be a service that is to beexecuted, and may report to the communication-counterpart device theinformation relating to the determined service.

If the negotiation is successfully executed and the service to be usedis determined, the PCL adapter and application program, which correspondto the determined service, are started, and the state of the PCLcontroller transitions to the executing service state 73. If thenegotiation fails, the state of the PCL controller transitions to the noservice state 74.

The executing service state 73 corresponds to the above-describedservice execution phase. The executing service state 73 is a state inwhich the determined service, such as data transfer, is being executedby close proximity wireless transfer. If the execution of the determinedservice is completed, the state of the PCL controller transitions to theno service state 74.

If the connection (CNL connection) between the devices is released(“disconnection”), the state of the PCL controller transitions to theunconnected state 61. Events that cause release of connection betweenthe devices are classified into, for example, (1) the occurrence ofcommunication time-out due to the release of the close proximity state,and (2) the reception of a connection release request signal C-RLS fromthe communication-counterpart device.

The communication time-out occurs when the communication between thedevices is interrupted for a predetermined time-out value or more, afterthe devices are separated away from each other to a distance exceedingthe range of communication. During the connected state 63, the CNL layercan periodically transmit, for example, a command (e.g. probe command)for confirming that the communication-counterpart device is presentwithin the range of communication (“polling”). After this command istransmitted, if a response to this command is absent from thecommunication-counterpart device for a period longer than the time-outvalue, the CNL layer informs the PCL layer that communication time-outhas occurred due to the release of the close proximity state. The PCLcontroller executes, for example, a process of halting the active PCLadapter, and a process of halting the active application, therebyreleasing the connection between the devices and transitioning to theunconnected state 61.

The connection release request signal C-RLS is a command whichexplicitly requests the release of connection. The device in theconnecting state 62 can transmit, where necessary, the connectionrelease request signal C-RLS to the communication-counterpart device,for example, during the period in which the state of the device is theno service state 74.

Also when the connection release request signal C-RLS has been receivedfrom the communication-counterpart device, like the case in whichcommunication-timeout has occurred, the PCL controller executes, forexample, a process of halting the active PCL adapter, and a process ofhalting the active application, thereby releasing the connection betweenthe devices and transitioning to the unconnected state 61.

The electronic apparatus 10 of the embodiment can operate in theflexible mode. In other words, the default device mode of the electronicapparatus 10 may be the flexible mode. Thus, during the period of theunconnected state 61, the PCL controller controls the CNL layer andtransmits the connection request signal C-Req, so that a connection to adevice in the reactive mode may also be established.

In the unconnected state 61, the PCL controller of the electronicapparatus 10 transmits a connection request signal. However, when thestate of the PCL controller has transitioned to the unconnected state 61due to the release of connection which results from communicationtime-out, the communication-counterpart device, which was previouslyconnected to the electronic apparatus 10, is no longer present withinthe range of communication. Thus, even if the PCL controller transmitsthe connection request signal, a connection between thiscommunication-counterpart device and the electronic apparatus 10 (closeproximity wireless transfer device 20) is not re-established unless theuser brings the communication-counterpart device and electronicapparatus 10 close together.

On the other hand, when the state of the PCL controller has transitionedto the unconnected state 61 due to the reception of the connectionrelease request signal C-RLS from the communication-counterpart device,it is possible that this communication-counterpart device is kept inclose proximity to the electronic apparatus 10 (close proximity wirelesstransfer device 20). Consequently, it is possible that the connectionbetween the communication-counterpart device and electronic apparatus 10is automatically re-established. In this case, it is possible that thesame service, as was executed at the time of the previous connection,such as data transfer, is executed between the communication-counterpartdevice and electronic apparatus 10 (close proximity wireless transferdevice 20). The communication-counterpart device may transmit theconnection release request signal C-RLS each time the device statetransitions to the no service state. In this case, such a problem occursthat the same service is repeatedly executed. For example, such asituation may occur that some identical data files are repeatedlytransferred between the communication-counterpart device and theelectronic apparatus 10 (close proximity wireless transfer device 20).

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a sequence in which the same service isrepeatedly executed. In FIG. 8, it is assumed that close proximitywireless transfer is executed between a device A whose default devicemode is a flexible mode, and a device B whose default device mode is areactive mode.

(1) After a connection between the device A and device B is established,the device mode of the device A transitions to the proactive mode. Underthe control of the device A, data transfer is executed between thedevice A and device B. For example, when the data transfer has beencompleted, the device B may transmit a connection release request signalC-RLS (disconnection command).

(2) When the device A has received the connection release request signalC-RLS from the device B, the device A changes the device mode of thelocal device to the flexible mode that is the default device mode.

(3) The device A transmits a connection request signal C-Req in order todetect a peer device. When the device A has received from the device B aresponse signal C_Acc (“OK” in FIG. 8) indicative of acceptance of theconnection request signal C_Req, the device A re-establishes theconnection between the device A and device B.

(4) The device A determines a service by a negotiation with the deviceB, starts an application such as an application associated with thedevice B, and changes the own device mode to the proactive mode.

(5) The application, which has been started in (4), starts datatransfer. When the data transfer is completed, the device B mayre-transmit the connection release request signal C-RLS (disconnectioncommand). As a result, the sequence (reconnection, data transfer), whichis boxed with a broken line in FIG. 8, is repeated.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a sequence in which the same service isrepeatedly executed. In FIG. 9, it is assumed that close proximitywireless transfer is executed between a device A in a flexible mode anda device B set in a proactive mode.

(1) After a connection between the device A and device B is established,the device mode of the device A transitions to the reactive mode. Underthe control of the device B in the proactive mode, data transfer isexecuted between the device A and device B. For example, when the datatransfer has been completed, the device B may transmit a connectionrelease request signal C-RLS (disconnection command).

(2) When the device A has received the connection release request signalC-RLS from the device B, the device A changes the device mode of thelocal device to the flexible mode that is the default device mode. Thedevice B also transitions to the reactive mode that is the defaultdevice mode.

(3) The device A transmits a connection request signal C-Req in order todetect a peer device. When the device A has received from the device B aresponse signal C-Acc (“OK” in FIG. 9) indicative of acceptance of theconnection request signal C-Req, the device A establishes the connectionbetween the device A and device B.

(4) The device A determines a service by a negotiation with the deviceB, starts an application such as an application associated with thedevice B, and changes the own device mode to the proactive mode.

(5) The application, which has been started in (4), starts datatransfer. When the data transfer is completed, the device B mayre-transmit the connection release request signal C-RLS (disconnectioncommand). As a result, the sequence (reconnection, data transfer), whichis boxed with a broken line in FIG. 9, is repeated.

The function of the flexible mode (e.g. the function of automaticallytransmitting the connection request signal in the unconnected state) isadvantageous in that the connectivity between the devices is enhanced.However, as described above, if the devices are left in the closeproximity state, it is possible that the problem of repetition ofreconnection and data transfer will arise.

In order to prevent the occurrence of the repetition of reconnection anddata transfer, the connection control program 121 of the embodimentcompares an identifier of an external device (B2), which has newlyestablished a connection to the close proximity wireless transfer device20 after the CNL connection was released by the connection releaserequest signal from an external device (B1), with an identifier of theexternal device (B1) which transmitted the connection release requestsignal. When these identifiers do not agree (the external device (B2)differs from the external device (B1)), the connection control program121 executes data transfer between the external device (B2) and theclose proximity wireless communication device 20. When these identifiersagree (the external device (B2) is identical to the external device(B1)), the connection control program 121 does not execute data transferbetween the external device (B2) and the close proximity wirelesscommunication device 20. For example, when these identifiers agree, theconnection control program 121 halts the negotiation with the externaldevice (B2), thereby to prevent re-execution of data transfer betweenthe external device (B2) and the close proximity wireless communicationdevice 20.

The process of halting the execution of the negotiation is executed oncondition that the connection between the local device and the externaldevice has been re-established after the connection between the localdevice and the external device was released due to the reception of theconnection release request signal from the external device. When theconnection between the devices has been established after communicationtime-out, the control sequence (also referred to as “connectionprocess”) for data transfer, that is, the authentication, negotiationand service execution, are carried out without condition.

In this manner, by halting the process in the negotiation phase, itbecomes possible to prevent the repetition of reconnection and datatransfer between the device in the flexible mode and the externaldevice.

The LCD 15 may display, for example, a message for asking the userwhether or not to continue the operation of the connection process withthe same device. If the user has chosen not to continue the connectionprocess, the connection control program 121 halts the execution of theconnection process (e.g. the execution of the negotiation). On the otherhand, if the user has chosen to continue the connection process, theconnection control program 121 continues the connection process.

Next, referring to FIG. 10, a description is given of an example of thecommunication control operation which is executed by the connectioncontrol program 121 of the embodiment. In FIG. 10, a device A is adevice whose default device mode is a flexible mode, and a device B is adevice whose default device mode is a reactive mode. The electronicapparatus 10 of the embodiment corresponds to the device A.

After a connection between the device A and device B is established, thedevice mode of the device A transitions to the proactive mode. Under thecontrol of the device A, data transfer is executed between the device Aand device B. For example, when the data transfer has been completed,the device B may transmit a connection release request signal C-RLS(disconnection command).

When the device A has received the connection release request signalC-RLS from the device B, the device A transitions to the unconnectedstate and changes the device mode of the device A to the flexible modethat is the default device mode. The device A transmits a connectionrequest signal C-Req in order to detect a peer device. When the device Ahas received from the device B a response signal C_Acc (“OK” in FIG. 10)indicative of acceptance of the connection request signal C-Req, thedevice A re-establishes the connection between the device A and deviceB. The connection control program 121 of the device A transitions fromthe connecting state 62 to the connected state 63.

In this manner, when the connection between the device A and device Bhas been re-established after the release of connection by theconnection release request signal C-RLS, the connection control program121 causes the display screen of the LCD 15 to display a message box 71for confirming with the user as to the continuation/discontinuation ofthe connection process with the same device, that is, a message forconfirming with the user as to the continuation/discontinuation of theclose proximity wireless transfer between the device A and device B. Themessage box 71 is displayed, for example, when the following threeconditions have been established:

Condition 1: The cause of the immediately preceding connection releaseis the reception of the connection release request signal C-RLS from theexternal device.

Condition 2: A new connection has been established within apredetermined time (X second(s)) from the reception of the connectionrelease request signal C-RLS.

Condition 3: The identifier (UID) of the external device, which hasnewly been connected to the local device, is identical to the identifier(UID) of the external device which was previously connected to the localdevice (i.e. the connection to the same external device has beenre-established).

If the external device, which has transmitted the connection releaserequest signal C-RLS, is left in close proximity to the local device, anew connection between the external device and the local device isautomatically established within a predetermined time (X second(s)) fromthe reception of the connection release request signal C-RLS. Thus,Condition 2 can be used as a condition for confirming that the externaldevice, which has transmitted the connection release request signalC-RLS, is left in close proximity to the local device. If the user onceseparates the external device, which transmitted the connection releaserequest signal C-RLS, from the local device and then touches thisexternal device to the local device, Condition 2 is, in many cases, notestablished.

The message box 71 may be displayed when two conditions, i.e. Condition1 and Condition 2, are established. Whether the identifier (UID) of theexternal device, which has newly been connected to the local device, isidentical to the identifier (UID) of the external device, which waspreviously connected to the local device, can be confirmed, for example,by an authentication process in the authenticating state 71.Specifically, when the connection control program 121 of the device Ahas transitioned to the authenticating state 71 in the connected state63, the connection control program 121 compares the identifier (UID) ofthe external device, which has newly been connected to the local device,with the identifier (UID) of the external device which was previouslyconnected to the local device (i.e. the external device whichtransmitted the connection release request signal C-RLS immediatelybefore), thereby determining whether these UIDs agree or not.

If “Yes” button in the message box 71 is clicked by the user, theconnection control program 121 determines a service, which is to beexecuted, in the negotiation phase, as usual, and executes thedetermined service in the service execution phase. On the other hand, if“No” button in the message box 71 is clicked by the user, the connectioncontrol program 121 halts the process in the negotiation phase. Thereby,the progress of the connection process is halted, for example,immediately before the start of the negotiation (at the beginning of thenegotiation phase), or in the course of the negotiation. Thus, noservice, such as data transfer, is executed between the device A anddevice B.

During the period in which the state of the device A is the connectedstate 63, the device A can monitor the presence/absence of theoccurrence of communication time-out. Accordingly, even in the state inwhich the PCL controller of the device A halts the process in thenegotiation phase, if the device B is separated away from the device Aby the user, the occurrence of communication time-out is detected, andthus the state of the device A (the state of the connection controlprogram 121) is transitioned to the unconnected state 61. Therefore, thedevice A can establish a new connection to a peer device.

Next, referring to a flow chart of FIG. 11, a description is given of anexample of the procedure of a communication control process which isexecuted by the connection control program 121 in order to realize thesequence of FIG. 10.

After the communication control program 121 informs the peer device ofthe completion of the execution of a service such as data transfer orafter the local device is informed of the completion of the execution ofa service from the peer device (step S11), the communication controlprogram 121 determines whether the connection release request signalC-RLS (disconnection command) has been received from the peer device(step S12).

If the connection release request signal C-RLS has not been received (NOin step S12), the state of the communication control program 121transitions to the no service state 74 (step S13). If a disconnectionevent occurs due to communication time-out during the period in whichthe state of the communication control program 121 is the no servicestate 74 (YES in step S14), the communication control program 121executes, where necessary, a process of halting the active PCL adapter,in order to release the connection between the local device (the closeproximity wireless transfer device 20 of electronic apparatus 10) andthe peer device, and sets the state of the PCL controller of the localdevice to be the unconnected state (disconnection state) 61 (step S15).In the unconnected state (disconnection state) 61, the communicationcontrol program 121, in cooperation with the CNL layer, starts theprocess of transmitting a connection request signal.

If the connection release request signal C-RLS has been received (YES instep S12), the communication control program 121 executes a connectionrelease process (disconnection process) for releasing the connectionbetween the local device and the peer device, and sets the state of thePCL controller of the local device to be the unconnected state(disconnection state) 61 (step S16). In step S16, for example, a processof halting the active PCL adapter is executed.

The communication control program 121 restores the device mode of thelocal device to the flexible mode that is the default mode (step S17).Then, the communication control program 121 starts the process oftransmitting the connection request signal (step S18).

In the unconnected state (disconnection state) 61, if the communicationcontrol program 121 receives the response signal C_Acc from the peerdevice (or the connection request signal C_Req from the peer device)(YES in step S19), the communication control program 121, in cooperationwith the CNL layer, establishes a connection between the peer device,which has transmitted the response signal C_Acc or connection requestsignal C_Req, and the local device, and transitions to theauthenticating state 71 in the connected state 63. The communicationcontrol program 121 authenticates the peer device and determines whetherthe above-described three conditions are satisfied (step S20).

If the three conditions are satisfied (YES in step S20), thecommunication control program 121 displays the message box 71 on the LCD15 and confirms with the user as to whether the connection process withthe same device is to be continued or not (step S21).

If the user chooses to continue the connection process (YES in stepS22), the communication control program 121 prepares for data transfer(step S23). In step S23, the communication control program 121 entersthe negotiation phase (negotiating state 72). Then, the communicationcontrol program 121 executes the negotiation with the peer device in thenegotiation phase, in order to determine the service which is to beprovided by the close proximity wireless transfer between the localdevice and the peer device. The communication control program 121transitions to the service execution phase (executing service state 73)and executes the determined service (data transfer) in the serviceexecution phase (step S24).

If the user chooses not to continue the connection process (NO in stepS22), the communication control program 121 halts the process in thenegotiation phase (step S25). As a result, since the negotiation withthe peer device is not executed, the service, which is to be provided bythe close proximity wireless transfer between the local device and thepeer device, is not determined. Thus, neither the local device nor thepeer device can select or start the PCL adapter and application program.Hence, no service (data transfer) is started. If a disconnection eventoccurs due to communication time-out during the period in which theconnection process is halted (YES in step S26), the communicationcontrol program 121 sets the state of the PCL controller of the localdevice to be the unconnected state (disconnection state) 61 (step S15).

Next, referring to FIG. 12, a description is given of another example ofthe communication control operation which is executed by the connectioncontrol program 121 of the embodiment. In FIG. 12, a device A is adevice whose default device mode is a flexible mode, and a device B is adevice whose default device mode is a reactive mode. The electronicapparatus 10 of the embodiment corresponds to the device A.

After a connection between the device A and device B is established, thedevice mode of the device A transitions to the proactive mode. Under thecontrol of the device A, data transfer is executed between the device Aand device B. For example, when the data transfer has been completed,the device B may transmit a connection release request signal C-RLS(disconnection command).

When the device A has received the connection release request signalC-RLS from the device B, the communication control program 121 displaysa message box 72 on the LCD 15 at this time point. The message box 72 isused in order to inform the user that the device remains touched to theelectronic apparatus 10 and to confirm with the user about thepresence/absence of reconnection to the device (the continuation of theconnection process). Further, the message box 72 displays a messagerecommending the user to separate the device away from the electronicapparatus 10 when the user does not desire the reconnection.

Under the control of the connection control program 121, the device Acontinues the process. Specifically, the device A transitions to theunconnected state and changes the device mode of the device A to theflexible mode that is the default device mode. The device A transmits aconnection request signal C_Req in order to detect a peer device. Whenthe device A has received from the device B a response signal C_Acc(“OK” in FIG. 12) indicative of acceptance of the connection requestsignal C_Req, the device A re-establishes the connection between thedevice A and device B.

If “Yes” button in the message box 72 is clicked by the user, theconnection control program 121 determines a service, which is to beexecuted, in the negotiation phase, as usual, and executes thedetermined service in the service execution phase. On the other hand, if“No” button in the message box 72 is clicked by the user, the connectioncontrol program 121 halts the process in the negotiation phase. Thereby,the progress of the connection process is halted, for example,immediately before the start of the negotiation, or in the course of thenegotiation. Thus, no service, such as data transfer, is executedbetween the device A and device B.

If the device B is separated away from the device A by the user, theoccurrence of communication time-out is detected, and thus the state ofthe device A (the state of the connection control program 121) istransitioned to the unconnected state 61.

Next, referring to a flow chart of FIG. 13, a description is given of anexample of the procedure of a communication control process which isexecuted by the connection control program 121 in order to realize thesequence of FIG. 12.

After the communication control program 121 informs the peer device ofthe completion of the execution of a service such as data transfer orafter the local device is informed of the completion of the execution ofa service from the peer device (step S31), the communication controlprogram 121 determines whether the connection release request signalC-RLS (disconnection command) has been received from the peer device(step S32).

If the connection release request signal C-RLS has not been received (NOin step S32), the state of the communication control program 121transitions to the no service state 74 (step S33). If a disconnectionevent occurs due to communication time-out during the period in whichthe state of the communication control program 121 is the no servicestate 74 (YES in step S34), the communication control program 121executes, where necessary, a process of halting the active PCL adapter,in order to release the connection between the local device (the closeproximity wireless transfer device 20 of electronic apparatus 10) andthe peer device, and sets the state of the PCL controller of the localdevice to be the unconnected state (disconnection state) 61 (step S35).In the unconnected state (disconnection state) 61, the communicationcontrol program 121, in cooperation with the CNL layer, starts theprocess of transmitting a connection request signal.

If the connection release request signal C-RLS has been received (YES instep S32), the communication control program 121 first displays themessage box 72 on the LCD 15, thereby informing the user that the deviceremains touched to the electronic apparatus 10, and confirming with theuser about the intention of reconnection to the device (step S36).

In the state in which the message box 72 is displayed, the communicationcontrol program 121 executes a connection release process (disconnectionprocess) for releasing the connection between the local device(electronic apparatus 10) and the peer device, and sets the state of thePCL controller of the local device to be the unconnected state(disconnection state) 61 (step S37). The communication control program121 restores the device mode of the local device to the flexible modethat is the default mode (step S38). Then, the communication controlprogram 121 starts the process of transmitting the connection requestsignal (step S39).

In the unconnected state (disconnection state) 61, if the communicationcontrol program 121 receives the response signal C_Acc from the peerdevice (or the connection request signal C_Req from the peer device)(YES in step S40), the communication control program 121, in cooperationwith the CNL layer, establishes a connection between the peer device,which has transmitted the response signal C_Acc or connection requestsignal C_Req, and the local device, and transitions to theauthenticating state 71 in the connected state 63.

The communication control program 121 determines whether “Yes” button or“No” button in the message box 72 is selected by the user (step S41). If“Yes” button is selected, that is, if the continuation of the connectionprocess is selected by the user (YES in step S41), the communicationcontrol program 121 prepares for data transfer (step S42). In step S42,the communication control program 121 enters the negotiation phase(negotiating state 72). Then, the communication control program 121executes the negotiation with the peer device in the negotiation phase,in order to determine the service which is to be provided by the closeproximity wireless transfer between the local device and the peerdevice. The communication control program 121 transitions to the serviceexecution phase (executing service state 73) and executes the determinedservice (data transfer) in the service execution phase (step S43).

If “No” button is selected, that is, if the discontinuation of theconnection process is selected by the user, or if neither “Yes” buttonnor “No” button is selected by the user (NO in step S41), thecommunication control program 121 halts the process in the negotiationphase (step S44). As a result, the service, which is to be provided bythe close proximity wireless transfer between the local device and thepeer device, is not determined. Thus, since neither the local device northe peer device can select or start the PCL adapter and applicationprogram, no service is started. If a disconnection event occurs due tocommunication time-out during the period in which the connection processis halted (YES in step S45), the communication control program 121 setsthe state of the PCL controller of the local device to be theunconnected state (disconnection state) 61 (step S35).

As has been described above, according to the present embodiment, evenif the connection between the external device and the electronicapparatus 10 is re-established due to the reception of the connectionrelease request from the external device, it is possible to preventre-execution of the same service as was executed when the connection waspreviously established.

The functions of the connection control program of the embodiment can berealized by hardware modules.

The various modules of the systems described herein can be implementedas software applications, hardware and/or software modules, orcomponents on one or more computers, such as servers. While the variousmodules are illustrated separately, they may share some or all of thesame underlying logic or code.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described hereinmay be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodimentsdescribed herein may be made without departing from the spirit of theinventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intendedto cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope andspirit of the inventions.

1. An electronic apparatus comprising: a communication module configuredto execute close proximity wireless transfer; a connection controlmodule configured to transmit a connection request signal during aperiod in which the communication module is in an unconnected state, andto establish a connection between the communication module and anexternal device which are in a close proximity state; a communicationcontrol module configured to execute a negotiation with the externaldevice when the connection is established, to determine a service whichis to be provided by close proximity wireless transfer between thecommunication module and the external device, and to execute thedetermined service; a connection release module configured to releasethe connection between the communication module and the external devicewhen there occurs an event of communication time-out due to a release ofthe close proximity state or an event of reception of a connectionrelease request signal from the external device; and a halt moduleconfigured to halt the communication control module from executing thenegotiation, when the connection is released by the connection releaserequest signal and thereafter the connection between the communicationmodule and the external device is re-established by the connectioncontrol module.
 2. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the haltmodule is configured to display on a display a message for confirmingwith a user about whether or not to continue the close proximitywireless transfer between the communication module and the externaldevice, and to halt the communication control module from executing thenegotiation when the user designates not to continue the close proximitywireless transfer.
 3. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein thehalt module is configured to determine whether an identifier of anexternal device, a connection of which is newly established to thecommunication module by the connection control module after the releaseof the connection by the connection release request signal, agrees withan identifier of the external device which is previously connected tothe communication module, and to halt the communication control modulefrom executing the negotiation when the identifiers agree.
 4. Theelectronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the halt module is configuredto display on a display a message for confirming with a user aboutwhether or not to continue the close proximity wireless transfer betweenthe communication module and the external device, to halt thecommunication control module from executing the negotiation when theuser designates not to continue the close proximity wireless transfer,and to permit the communication control module to execute thenegotiation when the user designates to continue the close proximitywireless transfer.
 5. An electronic apparatus comprising: acommunication module configured to execute close proximity wirelesstransfer; a connection control module configured to transmit aconnection request signal during a period in which the communicationmodule is in an unconnected state, and to establish a connection betweenthe communication module and an external device which are in a closeproximity state; a connection release module configured to release theconnection between the communication module and the external device whenthere occurs an event of communication time-out due to a release of theclose proximity state or an event of reception of a connection releaserequest signal from the external device; and a communication controlmodule configured to compare an identifier of an external device, aconnection of which is newly established to the communication module bythe connection control module after the release of the connection by theconnection release request signal, with an identifier of the externaldevice which has transmitted the connection release request signal, toexecute data transfer between the external device, the connection ofwhich is newly established to the communication module, and thecommunication module when the identifiers disagree, and not to executethe data transfer when the identifiers agree.
 6. A communication controlmethod of controlling close proximity wireless transfer which isexecuted by a communication module provided in an electronic apparatus,comprising: transmitting a connection request signal during a period inwhich the communication module is in an unconnected state, andestablishing a connection between the communication module and anexternal device which are in a close proximity state; executing anegotiation with the external device when the connection is established,determining a service which is to be provided by close proximitywireless transfer between the communication module and the externaldevice, and executing the determined service; releasing the connectionbetween the communication module and the external device when thereoccurs an event of communication time-out due to a release of the closeproximity state or an event of reception of a connection release requestsignal from the external device; and halting the execution of thenegotiation, when the connection is released by the connection releaserequest signal and thereafter the connection between the communicationmodule and the external device is re-established by said establishingthe connection.
 7. The communication control method of claim 6, whereinthe halting comprises displaying on a display a message for confirmingwith a user about whether or not to continue the close proximitywireless transfer between the communication module and the externaldevice, and halting the execution of the negotiation when the userdesignates not to continue the close proximity wireless transfer.
 8. Thecommunication control method of claim 6, wherein the halting comprisesdetermining whether an identifier of an external device, a connection ofwhich is newly established to the communication module after the releaseof the connection by the connection release request signal, agrees withan identifier of the external device which is previously connected tothe communication module, and halting the execution of the negotiationwhen the identifiers agree.
 9. The communication control method of claim6, wherein the halting comprises displaying on a display a message forconfirming with a user about whether or not to continue the closeproximity wireless transfer between the communication module and theexternal device, halting the execution of the negotiation when the userdesignates not to continue the close proximity wireless transfer, andpermitting the execution of the negotiation when the user designates tocontinue the close proximity wireless transfer.